By Praise Chinecherem
Prince Onwa Nwafor Orizu, Son of the first Senate President of Nigeria, Akweke Nwafor Orizu on Sunday announced his intention to complete the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s tenure in the Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate.
He said he was contesting for the position to enable him sponsor bills and motions that would improve security, bring development and elevate standard of living for the people of his constituency.
Addressing newsmen in his Ndiakwu-Otolo Nnewi country home, Orizu his decision to vie for Senate was not informed by mere desire to be senator, insisting that he had never viewed politics as business venture, but for service.
He said the decision remained purposeful representation and not for quest for money nor distribution of rice and other palliatives.
He said, “The decision to fill the vacuum left by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death is to create purposeful representation. This is contrary to the prevailing circumstances where pittance is shared with constituents in the name of quality representation.
“I’m not going to the Senate to engage in the politics of self-enrichment, sharing bags of rice and motorcycles, but to sponsor bills and motions that will improve security, bring development, and elevate the standard of living for the people he will represent.
“The decision to replace late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in the Red Chamber didn’t arise from a mere desire to be a senator. I don’t see politics as a business venture, but as a means of service.
“Anyone may claim they are coming to serve the people, but when they get there, they amass wealth and enrich themselves at the expense of the people. Today, lawmakers have turned the National Assembly into a business center, where they pad budgets and influence contracts.
“For me, I’m not going into politics to make money, but to contribute my quota to the welfare of the people. I will sponsor legislation that will make a permanent impression on the lives of the people,” he said.
The lawmaker hopeful also expressed support for the opinion that Nnewi North Local Government Area should be allowed to complete Senator Ubah’s tenure before the slot rotates to another local government.
“Before I decided to run, we met Senator Ubah’s wife and persuaded her to contest, but she refused. I am of the opinion that Nnewi North should be allowed to complete late Senator Ubah’s remaining tenure.
“I’m saying this not out of greed, but on moral grounds. If Nnewi completes Ubah’s tenure, the slot will then move to other council areas on a rotational basis,” he added.
